Lesléa Newman (pronounced "Lez-LEE-uh") is the author of over 85 books for readers of all ages, including the pioneering Heather Has Two Mommies. She has received many literary awards, including creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award Finalists. Lesléa's work has been translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Serbian, Kazakh and Chinese. In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the US.